Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – Sermon by Br Daniel

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br daniel ohc
Br Daniel

Breyten Breytenbach, the well-known Afrikaans poet, painter, and anti-apartheid activist, wrote the following line in one of his poems: “Die liefde is ‘n aaklige woord wat op ‘n toiletmuur uitgekrap is.”  Loosely translated it says, “Love is a disgusting word that is scratched out on a toilet wall.”  Of course, he used a more colourful word for toilet, which starts with an s and ends in house.

After reading the Gospel passage for today, it seems one can also add that life is a disgusting word that is scratched out on a toilet wall. Especially when we look at the news and sees what is going on in the world.

And, as with every story and every atrocity and with every good thing, there are two sides at least to all of them, and not least with today’s parable.

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Sermon for the 22 Sunday of 2023- Volmoed 

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Part of the genius of the Gospels is that they teach in parables. Fables, myths, and parables fall into the same category of literary tools that are often called allegories. Allegories stay fresh even as cultures change because they speak in symbols – and symbols have meaning across generations. So, the parables of Jesus are as relevant now as two thousand years ago when Jesus told them. But the price of that relevance is that the meaning is not necessarily plain or obvious… Take for example the parable in this morning’s Gospel. It is a familiar story but what might it have meant when Jesus told it and what might it mean today… 

We have a vineyard with its winepress and watch tower, an absentee landowner, a group of difficult tenants, abused servants, and some obligatory priests and pharisees.  

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Sermon for the 22 Sunday of 2023- Volmoed Read More »

Sermon for the 22 Sunday of 2023- Volmoed  Read More »

September 2023 News

News from the Priory / /

Any reflection on events of the past month cannot but be dominated by the astonishing aftermath of the storm that swept through the Western Cape during the night of Sunday 24 September. Roads were extensively damaged, bridges washed away, electricity and water supplies disrupted. The region in which Volmoed is situated continues to grapple with the impact. Road access remains constrained with real concern of it deteriorating further. Several communities have not yet had their electricity supply restored, while some communities are still physically isolated. Water supply to towns and suburbs remains limited.

On Volmoed we have been relatively well off. The level of water in the river rose significantly, and the main access road was inundated, leaving considerable amounts of debris behind when the water level dropped again. Thankfully, no buildings were flooded or otherwise damaged. Our electricity supply was restored by the Wednesday. The main pump for the water system is expected to be usable after it is serviced. We are grateful. We do have to make a substantial detour along a now much busier gravel road in order to get to town and shops.

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September 2023 News Read More »

Sermon for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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I feel there is a sadness underlying the gospel reading for today. This is not the first time in Matthew’s telling of Jesus’ story that Jesus has entered the temple. The day before, after his arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus had gone into the temple and caused a commotion, upsetting things and driving out those who were trading instead of praying. The temple authorities were indignant, confronting Jesus about all the turmoil around him. Though they could see the healing of the blind and lame, they excluded themselves from the joy of the children who shouted with delight at the wonderful things Jesus was doing as he confirmed the presence of God’s kingdom among them.

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Sermon for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost Read More »

Thursday at Volmoed – Season of Creation Week 4 – Preached by Br Robert James

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Br Robert James
Br Robert James

During this Season of Creation, we join with Christians around the world to celebrate our calling to protect the Earth that God has entrusted to our care as stewards. Today’s Gospel sheds some light on a human tendency that contributes to our failure to be good stewards.

Jesus speaks this parable to his disciples as they struggle to understand the reign of God within the framework of the world in which they live. Like them, more often than not, we view the world, ourselves, and others through the lens of fairness rather than grace. We’ve been taught from an early age that fairness matters. Too often, however, fairness rather than love, acceptance, mercy, forgiveness, or generosity is the measure by which we act and judge another person or life circumstance. In contrast, grace is how God views the world and our lives.

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Thursday at Volmoed – Season of Creation Week 4 – Preached by Br Robert James Read More »

August 2023 News

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This past month featured several opportunities for strengthening our monastic community’s relationships with the wider church in various forms. We are situated within the Diocese of False Bay (in the Anglican Church of Southern Africa), whose bishop, the Right Reverend Margaret Vertue, has just retired. Brs Scott & Edwin attended the final service of ordinations to the diaconate & priesthood carried out by Bp Margaret, at All Saints parish church in Belhar. Brs Roger & Edwin subsequently attended a service of thanksgiving for Bp Margaret’s ministry, at the Kruiskerk in Stellenbosch, shortly before the bishop’s retirement.

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August 2023 News Read More »

Sermon for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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Today’s gospel reading marks a turning point in the story of Jesus’ life on earth as recorded by Matthew. It should be read together with the gospel reading from last Sunday, as it continues that narrative while introducing a stark contrast.

Last week, the apostle Peter experienced one of the high points in his relationship with Jesus, when Peter proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Jesus responded enthusiastically by declaring Peter blessed for having received a revelation from his heavenly Father. This week, Peter has suddenly become an obstacle in Jesus’ path, earning a swift and sharp rebuke.

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Sermon for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Read More »

Sermon for Sunday, August 20

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Readings for the Day

Today’s reading from Matthew is unsettling to say the least. And a bit chaotic… We begin in the region of Galilee and we’re heading for the region of Tyre and Sidon – a coastal region north of Israel. It would have been a multi-day journey from Galilee – perhaps about as far as from here to Sommerset West. But remember, they were travelling on foot…  

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Sermon for Sunday, August 20Read More »

Sermon for Sunday, August 20 Read More »

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